Position: Post-Doctoral Research Associate; A novel statistical method to identify predator non-consumptive effects directly from field data
Agency: Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University Description: We seek a research associate for a quantitative project using and developing novel state-space models to examine the influence of an invasive predator (Bythotrephes), global climate change and other factors on zooplankton prey in the Great Lakes. One focus is to use this method to identify and quantify non-consumptive effects (NCEs – i.e., due to adaptive anti-predator behavior) of the predator on the natural abundance and dynamics of animals in the field. This is important and novel, as whereas there is much experimental evidence that NCEs influence communities, there is little direct evidence from field data. The incumbent will apply novel state-space model approaches (e.g. iterated filtering) to time series data and compare their utility to other approaches. Resulting parameters may be used together with individually based models to examine potential indirect effects and interactive effects of invasive species to fish recruitment. The postdoc will interact across academic and federal institutions, and work as part of a team, as the project involves collaboration between statisticians (Ed Ionides of the Univ. of Michigan, James Bence of Michigan State Univ.), ecologists (Scott Peacor of MSU and John Marino of Bradley Univ.) and Great Lakes food web scientists (David Bunnell of the USGS and Hank Vanderploeg of the NOAA). The postdoc will be housed at MSU's Quantitative Fisheries Center (QFC), and have opportunity to interact with QFC staff working on a range of quantitative ecological and natural resource issues. The incumbent may choose to participate in other QFC activities, including delivery/development of on-line and short-courses and consulting projects with QFC supporting partners. The postdoc will also have opportunity to interact with ecologists in other departments and the Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior program. Qualifications: PhD in statistics, ecology, fisheries science or related discipline with a strong record of research productivity in quantitative methods is required. Preference will be given to candidates with strong programming skills, and strong mathematical background. Salary: $47,500 per year plus benefits. Initial appointment is for 1 year with possibility of extensions for subsequent years on an annual basis. Closing date: Until filled Contact: All applicants must apply via www.jobs.msu.edu search posting #527335. Please submit your CV, letter of interest, and transcripts (unofficial). Inquiries about the posting can be directed to Dr. Scott Peacor (pea...@msu.edu). Please include CV with inquiries.
